Princeton, 1783.
Honorable Gentlemen:
We inclose you an extract of Dispatches from his Excellency our
Governor, received this day, respecting the instructions of the
Legislature, at their last session, for the security of the Western
posts.
You will be pleased to observe, that an official Report, on a subject
so interesting to the State, is deemed to be necessary; as well
as a particular detail of the motives which influenced Congress
against the declared sense of the State; to give directions to the
Commander-in-Chief for garrisoning those posts with Continental troops.
This is a duty to which, not having been present at the debates, we
find ourselves incompetent. We can therefore, only refer His Excellency
and the Legislature to you, our worthy colleagues, who, being fully
possessed of the facts, can alone give the necessary official
information.
With sentiments of the most perfect esteem and regard,
We have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient servants,
Jas. Duane.
Ezra L’Hommedieu.
The Honorable
Cols. William Floyd and
Alexander Hamilton.